The Arts MenagerieNIGHT CIRCUS coincided with Art in the Dark in Western Park, 50 metres from one of the few Artists Studio remaining in Ponsonby and probably the largest creative collaborative in Auckland.

Chan Andreassend & The Arts Menagerie proposal to create a theatre in front of our gallery in Rose Road, a parade of characters interacting in the park, street and a performance based installation encompassing the people, stories and history of Ponsonby was enthusiastically accepted then rejected, due to no trees being available and lack of funding. The enthusiam was due in part to encouraging Ponsonby businesses to get involved as well. This was despite our 23 year connection to the area and who we represent and the fact that we would be building our own structure and providing our own funding. However there was a request from the organisers for our artists to walk along Ponsonby Road to connect the Galleries and Restaurants to the Park. I am in business too, so why Chan Andreassend would fund and give away PR value to others, as well as promote Ponsonby businesses instead of our own ,still escapes me.

One of The Arts Menagerie core philosophy is to allow anyone to particpate in the arts and break down those politics and barriers which get in the way. Unlike many things it is free to join.

I don`t want the Creative Industry in New Zealand to always be seen as a charity case or a closed shop. Just give us the tools and opportunities to do what we are good at and trained for.

The irony in it all: Chan Andreassend helped pay for it. Art in the Dark is funded by Auckland rate payers and a special grant from Ponsonby Businesses Association of which I am on the Executive Board.

So we did it anyway and called it Night Circus3 nights of spontaneous creative happenings- doing things we do well.

It was hard work with a different concept every night. It was an explosion of creativity, exploration in video, lighting, performance, artworks and most importantly co-operation.

This is what happens when some creatives collaborate and support each other. Imagine how much better things would be if we all co-operated in society.

Terms and ConditionsTo make it fair for everyone involved with The Arts Menagerie, we have established the following principles relating to the intellectual property of collaborative works created within The Arts Menagerie.............more